The top GOP donors and bundlers in Texas

on March 2, 2015 7:37 PM

Photo: Charles Dharapak, STF

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Few developments changed politics more radically than the introduction of super PACs in 2010.

These outside groups, which are often aligned with but not allowed to coordinate with candidates, mean that Texas billionaires are no longer restricted in how much money they can spend to support a presidential contender.

Texas, with its bounty of J.R. Ewing-level rich Republicans, have given generously to such efforts.
Here are 10 donors who are reputed to be in the best position to back those efforts.

Profession:CEO of a company that manages assets from the family real estate fortune

City: Dallas

Influence: According to the Texas Tribune, one Republican operative called him "one of the biggest whales in the country." Crow was also behind $1.3 million donated to Romney in 2012. His brother, Trammelll, is also known as a reliable donor and often takes cues from Harlan.

Influence: Rees-Jones gave $1 million to a Republican super PAC and also donated another $100,000 apiece to the 2012 super PACs of Rick Perry. His contributions began to pick up in 2010, when he became a prolific direct donor to Republican House and Senate candidates across the country.

Influence: Rowling, once known as a bundler, is transitioning into a serious donor. Since 2010, he’s given at least $6 million to outside groups alone, per FEC records. He also frequently donates to the national campaign committees and GOP candidates in competitive races across the country.

Influence: There is no more important fundraiser in Aggieland. Adams is a dual threat – a donor and a bundler. A member of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, Adams is known for throwing fundraisers around Texas A&M events.

Some money brokers don’t need to be super-rich to play at the presidential level.

While limited in contribution size, bundled dollars are harder to round up. But some campaign operatives say they still put a premium on bundlers — the supporters who flip through Rolodexes and twist arms for direct campaign donations.

Among the key benefits for bundled dollars: Federal candidates get a lower television advertising rate than super PACs, which means the dollars go further on the airwaves.

To be sure, many of these supporters rank among the wealthiest people in the country and are as prolific in their giving as in their networking. Here’s a look at 10 key Texas GOP bundlers.

Influence: Many GOP operatives are still trying to figure out exactly the Basses role in politics. But some say their influence makes a difference. The heirs to oil tycoon Sid Richardson's fortune often cut checks to both parties.

Influence: Washburne is a familiar player in national politics because of his stint last cycle as the Republican National Committee’s national finance chair. And also, he is related by marriage to the Dallas Hunt family. Washburne is one of the few who's already announced his 2016 alliance- he'll be on New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's team.